Unravelling the Puzzle of MS

Dear Friend of the Menzies Research Institute,

Kate de la Motte of Allens Rivulet clearly remembers the day she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

“It was June 2000. I was only 25 and in the prime of my life, working professionally as a pharmacist at Calvary Hospital and looking forward to going overseas for the first time. At first, I think I was in denial. My main concern, however, was how my family and friends would react and cope with the news,” Kate said.

We never like to hear bad news about anyone, but when it is a family member such as your own daughter, it can be an extremely difficult time, not to mention a huge shock.  Kate’s mum Maggy Hunter, remembers ‘that day’ only too well.

“What stands out in my mind is that Kate was more worried about how I would be than she was. Having MS never seemed to be such a worry for Kate, as her MS seemed to be for me as her mother,” said Maggy. 

MS is a chronic degenerative and unpredictable condition that randomly attacks the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the central nervous system. Common symptoms of MS include the inability to control functions such as seeing, walking and talking.

MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young Australians today.

Three out of four people diagnosed with MS are under the age of 35. Sadly, more than 1,000 young Australians will be diagnosed with MS this year.

Tasmania has the highest incidence per capita of MS in Australia.

The overall cause of MS is still unknown and there is no known cure for MS. However, advances in treating and understanding MS are achieved regularly and research to find a cure is very encouraging.

The Menzies Research Institute is helping to unravel the puzzle of MS and finding ways to improve the lives of those with MS, such as Kate.

Well-known Menzies’ researcher Associate Professor Bruce Taylor, who returned to Tasmania last year, thanks to the joint efforts of Menzies and the MS Society Tasmania, is currently researching Factors that predict the rate of progression following a first episode of multiple sclerosis.

“Knowing who will progress to develop multiple sclerosis after a first attack and at what rate they will progress is an important question, as it will allow us to target treatment to those at greatest risk and modify a person's lifestyle, to reduce the risk of developing MS or slow their rate of progression” Assoc/Prof Taylor said.

Kate would love us to find these answers, so that others won’t have to go through what she has been through with MS. Would you like us to find the answers to help someone you know?

Just imagine what we could achieve with your help?  Please join us again to work towards these goals by showing your financial support to Menzies.

Today, Kate is happily married to an incredibly supportive husband named Marty, she works part-time and has a gorgeous dog Milly (not to mention all the other farm animals). Marty and Kate are delighted that Kate is now seven and a half months pregnant with their first baby.

Kate’s MS appears to be under control with medication (though she has had to come off it with the pregnancy) and a balanced lifestyle. Thankfully Kate hasn’t had an attack for over seven years, but she is aware that she may have a relapse in the future.

Kate remains positive about the future: “Being a health professional myself, I know how far medical research has come in the last 25 years,” Kate commented. “There is a good chance that they will come up with answers in the next 25 years.”

I believe that with your help, MS could become a disease of the past and people like Kate can lead a healthier life.

Please give generously and forward your donation to the Menzies Research Institute. Your support will help us to make a real difference to peoples lives.


Yours sincerely

Professor Simon Foote

Director

P.S. Your donation will immediately help people like Kate and Marty.
Thank you!

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Winter 2008 edition of The Bulletin